Lawrence Dalton facts for kids
Lawrence Dalton was an important official who worked at the College of Arms in London. This college is where experts in heraldry, like Lawrence, keep track of family histories and coats of arms. Lawrence was one of many children in his family. He was born in Lancashire, England. We don't know much about his early life or if he went to a university.
Lawrence Dalton's Work as a Herald
Lawrence Dalton began his career at the College of Arms on November 15, 1546. He started as a "Rouge Croix Pursuivant." This was an entry-level position for someone learning about heraldry. An important person named Sir Christopher Barker helped him. Sir Christopher was a top officer of arms called "Garter Principal King of Arms." He was also Lawrence's uncle by marriage.
Lawrence quickly moved up in his career. On April 12, 1547, he became a "Richmond Herald." This was a more senior role. In 1549, Lawrence was involved in some financial issues related to the Royal Household's supplies. However, he later received a special royal pardon for these matters. This pardon meant he was forgiven for any past mistakes.
In August 1553, Lawrence traveled with the "Norroy King of Arms" to join the army in Scotland. The Norroy King of Arms is another high-ranking herald. Lawrence was promoted to Norroy King of Arms himself on September 6, 1557.
In February 1558, Lawrence and another herald went north. They joined the Earl of Westmorland on a trip against the Scottish army. They stayed in places like Newcastle upon Tyne and Berwick-upon-Tweed. While there, they recorded family trees and coats of arms for important people in the north. These records helped keep track of noble families.
Lawrence faced some challenges in his work. For a short time, other heralds refused to work with him or pay him. But he was soon put back in his position in early 1561. This happened after two doctors advised the Earl Marshal, a high-ranking official. In 1560 and 1561, Lawrence created over forty new coats of arms. More than half of these were for well-known families in Lancashire, his home county.
Lawrence Dalton's Final Days
Lawrence Dalton's death was sudden. On December 10, 1561, he approved a new design for a family's crest. He wrote his will, which is a legal document about what happens to his belongings, on December 12. He passed away early the next day, December 13, 1561.
He was buried on December 15 at a church called St Dunstan-in-the-West in London. Although his original memorial plaque is gone, drawings of it still exist. These drawings show him wearing a special uniform called a tabard and a crown. His wife, Dorothy, was in charge of his will and received everything he owned. His will was officially approved on January 26, 1562. Neither his will nor his wife's will mentioned any children.
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